Excerpts from Ernie Schache's letter -
We are very grateful for the care and concern and generosity of the folk in the church in the United Statesas the Christmas in October money they give so generously allows us to give something extra to those Indian folk who work alongside us in and around Chennai. Most of the Pastors and Bible Women and the members in the two Conferences we work with - the Advent Christian Conference of India and the Fellowship of Blessed Hope Churches - would be classed as poor or very poor. This means that financially, life is a real struggle for them and they often literally work on a day by day basis as far as being able to afford the basic necessities of life - food, clothing, education for their children, health care, etc.
The Christmas in October money enables us to give them some extra money at Christmas time which eases the sitatuion a little and enables them to have a little extra that they would not normally be able to afford. We give every Pastor and Bible Woman in the Conference and Fellowship a "bonus" just before Christmas - this would total about 130 or so families.
We also give the staff that work directly for the Mission a lump sum as a Christmas bonus - there are 7 families, of whom 5 live on the Mission compound, who serve the Mission so very well as drivers, gardeners, cooks, cleaners, etc. Some of them have been working with us for more than 40 years and some of them are second and third generation folk working for us. They too are grateful for the extra money at Christmas time.
We also use some of the money received to provide a nice, special meal for the staff and their families just a few days before Christmas. This is always an enjoyable time, as the meal is part of what you might call an annual Christmas Party for them. We have games and competitions, and the giving of presents to the children and singing and a short devotion. Sometimes one of the adults teaches the children a special dance or skit as well which they perform for us all.
We have a Children's Hostel at the Advent Christian Church (the Guindy church) which is next door to the Mission Compound and there are presently 150 children who live there. Most of the children are orphans or come from families who just cannot afford to raise their children themselves. We have a fairly close relationship with these lovely children as we often see them and they often come onto our compound for one reason or another and at Christmas time we use some of the money we receive to buy them each a set of clothes - a shirt and trousers for the boys and a pretty frock for the girls. Some of us add a little money to what is available from the Christmas in October money to help ensure that we are able to do this. The children who range from 4 years old to about 15 or 16 are always so pleased to get these gifts - the smiles on their faces are a real joy to watch. For some of these children, these would be the only gifts they get all year. We also provide a nice, special meal for them just before Christmas.
When we give these gifts and have the functions, we always make it very clear that these gifts are from money given with Christian care and love and compassion by folk from the Advent Christian churches in the United States. I can assure you that these gifts are greatly appreciated and often make a significant difference for the recipients.
Please give my greetings to the members of your church and thank them very much for their continuing prayers for the Indian folk who we work with, and for our ministries. Life is really very hard and harsh for a big percentage of the Indian people, but they are lovely people and it is a privilege to work with them in taking the message of God's love to their own people. Please thank your members especially for their generosity, shown in the Christmas in October gift and others that they give from time to time. As we pray in India we often thank the Lord for those who partner with us in our ministry and work with us by praying and giving generously.
Yous in His Love and service,
Ernie Schache
Field Leader
Note: Ernie is currently in New Zealand recuperating form a bout of Dengue fever.
|
|
